The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says it is increasingly concerned by the sharp increase in individuals, including a growing number of Haitians, resorting to dangerous journeys in the Caribbean Sea, many taking place in overloaded and unseaworthy boats.
UNHCR is urging governments in the region to fulfill their s and ensure all those in need of international protection are identified and offered unobstructed and prompt access to fair asylum procedures.
In a statement, the Agency said the worrying trend in perilous crossings was recently highlighted when a vessel carrying over 800 Haitians, attempting to reach the United States, arrived in Cuba after being abandoned by its captain and set adrift at sea.
It said search and rescue at sea is a legal and humanitarian imperative, and those rescued include refugees and others in need of protection. Coordination, solidarity, and responsibility-sharing are crucial in responding effectively and ensuring that people in need of international protection are not returned to their country of origin, and the dangers they have fled.
In response to the growing numbers risking their lives in perilous sea crossings, UNHCR said it is working with governments in the region to support the response and reception of arrivals at their borders. Receiving states have the first line of responsibility in protecting those who may have well-founded fears of persecution in their country of origin.
It is vital to ensure that arrangements for disembarkation of those rescued do not result in summary return, and that they have access to procedures to have their claims assessed before being expelled or deported.
UNHCR said it will continue working with governments in the region to strengthen national reception and asylum systems, ensure the protection of refugees in a fair and efficient manner, and support international human rights and refugee law, while respecting national security concerns and state sovereignty.
COMMENTS